The Master's voice dropped, cold and unyielding.
"Leo. Out."
Leo froze. For a heartbeat, disbelief flickered in his eyes. He looked at the Master like a dog suddenly cast out into the cold, lips parting as if to argue—but he didn't. He swallowed whatever protest he had, gave Kaya one last sharp, lingering glare, and turned. His movements were slow, almost reluctant, as he swam away into the dark currents.
Kaya exhaled, quiet but steady.
The Master turned back to her. His eyes, still like stone, held none of the warmth they'd had moments before.
"You said you'd give us something in return. Fine. Give me what I want."
He leaned in, his voice like the ocean right before a storm. "Get the shark tribe out of my territory."
Silence dropped like an anchor.
